Aug. 7, 2025—Freezing food is a great way to make it last longer and cut down on waste—but how you freeze it matters. And it can make a big difference in how the food tastes later.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), you can freeze almost any food, with the exception of canned foods or shelled eggs.
The key is to freeze your food properly, so it still tastes great once you're ready to use it. Try these tips for freezing foods the right way.
Use freezer bags or airtight containers. If you're using a bag, make sure to squeeze the extra air out of it after you've added your food. When using containers, leave a little space, since food can expand as it freezes. Using airtight containers or bags can help keep moisture from escaping, which helps prevent freezer burn.
Label and date food. Try to use up older food first. This can help prevent food waste. You can store the older food in the front of the freezer so that it's easily accessible and doesn't get lost.
Let food cool before putting it in the freezer. Ideally, you should put food in the freezer only after it's cooled. If it's too warm, it can take too long to freeze. Slow freezing can cause ice crystals to form in the food, which may negatively affect the taste.
Organize your food for efficient freezing. When putting new foods in the freezer, spread them out at first so they freeze more quickly. Once frozen, stack them on top of each other and try to keep the freezer tightly packed.
Freeze portioned meals. This way you can just thaw what you need. Freezing foods in smaller containers can also help your food freeze faster, further preventing ice crystals from forming on or in the food.
Keep your freezer at 0 degrees or below. Most freezers have a thermometer built in, but they're not always accurate. It's a good idea to add an appliance thermometer in your freezer to help ensure that the temperature is right.
Blanch fruits or vegetables before freezing. To help keep the flavor, texture and color of certain fruits or vegetables, you can blanch them before you freeze them. Blanching—a process that involves submerging foods in boiling water and then in ice water—helps lock in nutrients too. Most fresh vegetables and firm fruits can be blanched prior to freezing.
Curious about how long you can safely keep foods in the freezer or refrigerator? Take a look at our cold storage safety infographic to learn more.
Sources
- AARP. "15 Foods You Can Freeze." https://www.aarp.org/home-living/foods-you-can-freeze.
- AARP. "What You Should Have in Your Freezer This Winter." https://www.aarp.org/home-living/freezer-winter.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Blanch Before You Freeze." https://www.eatright.org/food/home-food-safety/safe-cooking-and-prep/blanch-before-you-freeze.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Freezing 101." https://www.eatright.org/food/home-food-safety/safe-food-storage/freezing-101.
- American Heart Association. "Food Safety: How to Store and How Long to Keep Leftovers." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/cooking-skills/storing/food-safety---how-to-store-and-how-long-to-keep-leftovers.